Poonch: Anti-Terror Op Enters Day 6, Army Initiates Court of Inquiry Over Civilian Deaths; Officer Shifted

The anti-terror operations in Poonch have entered the?sixth day, with mobile internet services remaining suspended in Rajouri and Poonch.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 25 December 2023 1:15 pm

Terrorists ambush Army vehicles in Poonch

The anti-terror operations in Poonch have entered the?sixth day, with mobile internet services remaining suspended in Rajouri and Poonch. This suspension follows a targeted attack that resulted in the killing of five soldiers in Poonch district last week.

As security forces intensify operations, focusing on areas like the forest belt of Dera Ki Gali and Bafliyaz, Army Chief General Manoj Pande is scheduled to visit White Knight Corps Headquarters in Jammu's Nagrota?on Monday for?an important security review meeting.

The People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), reportedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, has claimed responsibility for the attack, showcasing images on social media featuring sophisticated US-made M4 carbine assault rifles.

Civilian Deaths | Army?Initiates Court of Inquiry

Simultaneously, the Army has initiated a court of inquiry into the killing of three civilians in Poonch while in Army custody. The deceased individuals, Safeer Hussain (43), Mohammad Showket (27), and Shabir Ahmad (32), residents of Topa Peer village of Bafliaz died under mysterious circumstances after they were picked up by the Army for interrogation. They were declared dead when taken to hospital.

The court of inquiry came after police lodged a murder case against unknown persons over the death of the three civilians, news agency PTI quoted official sources as saying on Monday.

Brigadier-level Officer Shifted

In another development, a brigadier-level officer was reportedly shifted and action is being taken against three officers of 48 Rashtriya Rifles as the Army has taken a serious note of the incident which sparked allegations of custodial torture and widespread outrage.

According to sources, the Army plans to take disciplinary action against some officers and reorganise the postings of others in light of the investigation.

Poonch Ambush

Five soldiers were killed and two injured when heavily armed terrorists ambushed two Army vehicles at a blind curve at Dhatyar Morh between Dhera Ki Gali and Bufliaz last Thursday.

The ambush took place when the security personnel were moving to an ongoing search operation in the general area of Dhera Ki Gali in the Thanamandi-Surankote region.

Soon after the ambush, security forces launched a massive search operation in the densely forested areas.

(With PTI inputs)